Hired hands? (6)
I believe the answer is:
claque
'hired hands?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both groups as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?
This is all the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for claque that I've seen before include "Hired-applause team" , "Group of people hired to applaud something" , "Supporters" , "Group of followers hired to applaud at a performance" , "Group hired to applaud someone" .)